Alpena Township votes no on fire contract

Alpena, Mich. – No deal – Alpena Township will not contract fire and EMS services with the City of Alpena.

After months of research and negotiations with the city the township voted 4 to 3 not disband fire and EMS services.

The township would have paid the city 400 thousand dollars a year for services.

In Monday’s meeting residents expressed a lot of mixed emotions right up until the final vote.

“We’re offering a salary below the poverty level in the state of Michigan, displaying a dysfunctional lack of communication between human resources and the fire department and manifesting a general “bumbling” in the interview and hiring process that was difficult to overcome”, said Township resident Jeri Rich.

“We can’t expect to go on and on forever, operating 120 square miles on one mil,” said Kevin Genter.

“This select group of people took the time to research, educate and come up with possible solutions to make changes to the Alpena Township systems and structures,” said Andy Marceau.

Township supervisor Nathan Skibbe responded after the vote.

“My goal is to make my hometown the best it can be, it always will be, so that’s my addition to end this conversation.”

The board will hold a special meeting Wednesday June 30 to begin discussion on their next plan of action.